Page 63 of Savage King
“What does Carson own?”
I love that she’s asking questions and doesn’t sound wary or upset.
“He owns the King of Spades next door to the Rapture building. The whole resort. It’s connected to Rapture by a skybridge, and they share a lot of clientele.”
She nods thoughtfully.
“If you ever wanted to run your own tattoo shop, you could open one in my building, or even at King of Spades.”
She turns to me in surprise. “You’re telling me that Carson would just give me space in a prime resort on the Strip?”
“No, I’m telling you I’d buy space in Carson’s resort for your kick-ass tattoo shop, Savage. You’d be easier to protect there too. But it’s up to you. I’ll protect you no matter where you are.”
Her mouth opens and then closes again, and she sits back in the seat.
“Well, that’s really ... sweet. And tempting.”
“Done.”
Violet laughs for the first time since I saw her in that warehouse last night, and it sets my soul on fucking fire.
“I didn’t say yes.”
“But you didn’t say no. I’ll talk to Carson.”
We pull up outside Rome’s, and the man himself is waiting for us outside, along with six of his guards.
“I come in peace,” I deadpan, and Rome’s lips twitch.
“I had a nice little threat come through this afternoon.”
“Yeah, well, two of my men are dead, and someone tried to break into my girl’s place. Sounds like we have a problem. Is Lulu upstairs?”
“With Scarlett, and Julian’s on his way with Natasha. The girls are going to bake.”
“See? Lots of friends,” Violet says with an encouraging pat to my chest. “I’m also hoping for a couch and an ice pack.”
Fuck.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart, you should have let me take you home.”
“We’ll set you up, and I have plenty of guest rooms if you’d like to rest,” Rome assures her as we walk inside and to the elevator.
Carson’s already at Rome’s door when the elevator opens to the penthouse floor. He nods at us and offers Violet a smile.
“You look good today, pretty fighter.”
That’s Carson, turning on the charm with the girls.
Violet chuckles. “Thanks for the lie.”
“No lie. I didn’t say much last night, but you’re a damn strong woman, and I respect the fuck out of that.”
“Um, I appreciate that,” she replies softly. “That’s a high compliment from you.”
Carson winks at her, and we file into the penthouse, where we can hear the girls chattering away in the kitchen. Violet slips her hand in mine, as if she’s nervous, but her face is impassive and she lifts her chin, and I can’t help but smile.
“Ladies,” I say as we reach the kitchen. “I’d like to introduce you?—”
